Reducing WLAN power consumption on a mobile device utilizing a cellular radio interface

ABSTRACT

A system and method of reducing the WLAN power consumption and limiting battery drain of a mobile communications device is provided. The mechanism continuously monitors for changes in the WLAN and cellular signal strength and modifies the WLAN profile scanning activity accordingly. By monitoring for changes, transitions can be detected which indicate the location of the mobile device (i.e., indoor or outdoor). An increase in cellular signal strength and a decrease in WLAN signal strength indicates the user is transitioning outdoors where WLAN coverage may be limited. To reduce battery power consumption, background scanning is suspended or its frequency significantly lowered. Moving indoors is indicated by a decrease in cellular signal strength and an increase in WLAN signal strength. Background/Connectivity scanning frequency is increased to provide shorter time-to-connect to WLAN Networks for the user within the WLAN coverage area.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The WLAN power consumption reduction mechanism relates to the field ofdata communications, and more particularly relates to a system andmethod for reducing WLAN power consumption on a mobile device using acellular radio interface.

BACKGROUND

Current wireless mobile communication devices include microprocessors,memory, soundcards, and run one or more software applications inaddition to providing for voice communications. Examples of softwareapplications used in these wireless devices include micro-browsers,address books, email clients, instant messaging (IM) clients, andwavetable instruments. Additionally, wireless devices have access to aplurality of services via the Internet. A wireless device may, forexample, be used to browse web sites on the Internet, to transmit andreceive graphics, and to execute streaming audio and/or videoapplications. The transfer of Internet content to and from wirelessdevice is typically facilitated by the Wireless Application Protocol(WAP), which integrates the Internet and other networks with wirelessnetwork platforms. Such wireless devices may operate on a cellularnetwork, on a wireless local area network (WLAN), or on both of thesetypes of networks.

With respect to WLANs, the term “Wi-Fi” or Wireless Fidelity pertains tocertain types of WLANs that use specifications in the Institute ofElectrical and Electronics Engineers (“IEEE”) 802.11 family.

In a WLAN, an access point is a station that transmits and receives data(sometimes referred to as a transceiver). An Access Point in aninfrastructure BSS (or a client node acting as an AP in an IndependentBSS) connects users to other users within the network and also can serveas the point of interconnection between the WLAN and a wired LAN. Eachaccess point can serve multiple users within a defined network area. Asusers move beyond the range of one access point (i.e., when they roam),they are automatically handed over to the next one. A small WLAN mayonly require a single access point. The number of access points requiredincreases as a function of the number of network users and the physicalsize of the network. The access point is typically an IEEE 802.11 (i.e.WLAN) radio receiver/transmitter (or transceiver) and functions as agateway or bridge between a WLAN and a wired LAN.

A block diagram illustrating an example wireless communications systemis shown in FIG. 1. The example system, generally referenced 10,comprises one or more mobile devices 12 implementing a WLAN stationconnected to access point (AP) 14 which is connected to network 16. Thesystem also comprises a cellular base station 20 in communication overan air interface to the mobile device. The base station is connected toa cellular network 22 which is also connected to network 16.

A service set identifier (SSID) identifies a particular IEEE 802.11wireless LAN. A client device receives broadcast messages from allaccess points within range advertising their SSIDs. The client devicecan then either manually or automatically select the network with whichto associate. It is legitimate for multiple access points to share thesame SSID if they provide access to the same network as part of anextended service set.

The basic service set (BSS) is the basic building block of an IEEE802.11 wireless LAN. In infrastructure mode one access point (AP)together with all associated stations (STAs) is called a BSS. An AP actsas a master to control the stations within that BSS. Each BSS isidentified by a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID). The most basic BSSis two STAs in Independent mode. In infrastructure mode, a basic BSSconsists of one AP and one STA. The BSSID uniquely identifies each BSS(the SSID however, can be used in multiple, possibly overlapping, BSSs).In an infrastructure BSS, the BSSID is the MAC address of the wirelessaccess point (WAP).

When a station wants to access an existing BSS (such as after power-up,sleep mode or just entering a BSS area), the station must getsynchronization information from the Access Point. The station obtainsthis information by either (1) passive scanning whereby the stationwaits to receive a Beacon frame (and/or Probe Responses sent in responseto other stations' Probe Requests) from the Access Point; or (2) activescanning whereby the station attempts to find an Access Point bytransmitting Probe Request frames and waiting for a Probe Response fromthe Access Point. Note that the Beacon frame is a periodic frame sent bythe Access Point containing synchronization information.

Once the station has found an Access Point, in order to join the BSS, itmust perform the Authentication Process which involves the exchange ofinformation between the Access Point and the station, where each sideshows knowledge of a shared credential(s).

Once authenticated, the station begins the Association Process whichinvolves the exchange of information about the station and BSScapabilities. Only after the association process is complete, is thestation permitted to transmit and receive data frames with the AccessPoint.

In implementing the WLAN protocol, communications devices often utilizeso called WLAN profiles to aid in establishing connections betweenstations and access points. A wireless local area network profiledefines the parameters for the connection between the station and WLANnetworks including access points. Profiles typically include connectionrelated information including, for example, SSID, connection type (i.e.,open or shared key), security, authentication, encryption, WEP sharedkeys, key length, frequency bands, roaming enable/disable, SSIDbroadcasted, etc.

Wireless devices are typically battery operated. As such, conservingbattery power is important as doing so allows the wireless device tooperate for an extended period of time. To conserve battery power, thewireless device will typically enter a “sleep mode” when it is notactively participating in a communication. During this sleep mode thewireless device will still monitor activity on the WLAN to determine ifit should “wake up” and enter into a communication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The WLAN power consumption reduction mechanism is herein described, byway of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example wirelesscommunications system;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example wireless communicationdevice incorporating the WLAN power consumption reduction mechanism;

FIG. 3 is an example graph of cellular/WLAN signal quality ratio for anindoor to outdoor and an outdoor to indoor transition of a mobilehandheld device;

FIG. 4 is an example graph of WLAN/cellular signal quality ratio for anindoor to outdoor and an outdoor to indoor transition of a mobilehandheld device;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the changes in background scanningfrequency and device indoor/outdoor location based on the cellular/WLANsignal quality ratio;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method of detectingcellular and WLAN radios signal transitions;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method of detectingcellular signal transitions;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method of determiningbackground scanning frequency and device location in a WLAN connectedstate;

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method of determiningbackground scanning frequency and device location in a WLAN disconnectedstate;

FIG. 10 is a timing diagram illustrating an indoor WLAN connected stateto an outdoor WLAN disconnected state transition;

FIG. 11 is a timing diagram illustrating an outdoor WLAN disconnectedstate to an indoor WLAN connected state transition;

FIG. 12 is a timing diagram illustrating an indoor WLAN disconnectedstate to an outdoor WLAN disconnected state transition; and

FIG. 13 is a timing diagram illustrating an outdoor WLAN disconnectedstate to an indoor WLAN disconnected state transition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Notation Used Throughout

The following notation is used throughout this document:

Term Definition AP Access Point ARP Address Resolution Protocol ASICApplication Specific Integrated Circuit BSS Basic Service Set BSSIDBasic Service Set ID CDROM Compact Disc Read Only Memory CPU CentralProcessing Unit DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol DNS Domain NameServer DSP Digital Signal Processor EDGE Enhanced Data rates for GSMEvolution EEROM Electrically Erasable Read Only Memory EPROM ErasableProgrammable Read-Only Memory FM Frequency Modulation FPGA FieldProgrammable Gate Array FTP File Transfer Protocol GPRS General PacketRadio Service GPS Global Positioning System GSM Global System for Mobilecommunications HDL Hardware Description Language HTTP Hyper-TextTransport Protocol IEEE Institution of Electrical and ElectronicsEngineers IM Instant Messaging IP Internet Protocol LAN Local AreaNetwork MAC Media Access Control PC Personal Computer PCI PeripheralComponent Interconnect PDA Personal Digital Assistant PNA PersonalNavigation Assistant RAM Random Access Memory RAT Radio AccessTechnology RF Radio Frequency ROM Read Only Memory RSSI Received SignalStrength Indicator RUIM Re-Usable Identification Module SDIO SecureDigital Input/Output SIM Subscriber Identity Module SPI Serialperipheral interconnect SSID Service Set Identifier TCP TransportControl Protocol UI User Interface URL Uniform Resource Locator USBUniversal Serial Bus UWB Ultra-Wideband WAN Wide Area Network WAPWireless Access Point WAP Wireless Application Protocol WEP WiredEquivalent Protocol WLAN Wireless Local Area Network

Detailed Description

A novel and useful system and method of reducing the WLAN powerconsumption and limiting battery drain of a mobile communications deviceis provided. The WLAN power consumption reduction mechanism is operativeto monitor for changes in the WLAN and cellular signal strength (e.g.,RSSI values). Depending on the changes detected, the mobile devicemodifies the WLAN profile scanning activity. A cellular/WLAN signalquality ratio is calculated based on RSSI values received from both airinterfaces and its trend is monitored to detect transitions whichindicate the approximate location of the mobile device (i.e. indoor oroutdoor). An increase in cellular signal strength coupled with adecrease in WLAN signal strength (i.e. ratio increases) indicates thatthe user might be moving to an outdoor environment where WLAN coveragemay be sparse or limited. The device checks the scan results table for atime t and if no AP is found during that period it suspends the WLANbackground/connectivity scan, thus significantly reducing battery powerconsumption. When the user moves to an indoor environment, a decrease incellular signal strength with an increase in WLAN signal strengthindicate that the user is moving to an indoor environment. In this case,the WLAN background scanning frequency is increased in order to providebetter coverage and short time access to the WLAN network for the user.If no matching WLAN networks are present in the device saved WLANprofile list, however, the indoor background scanning frequency can bereduced gradually using a backoff timing algorithm until a new devicetransition is detected. Note that in the alternative, one skilled in theart can use a WLAN/cellular signal quality ratio (i.e. the inverse)rather than a cellular/WLAN ratio, with the same WLAN power savingsobtained. For illustration purposes only, the mechanism is describedthroughout this document using the cellular/WLAN ratio.

To aid in illustrating the implementations of the WLAN power consumptionreduction mechanism, the various implementations described infra aredescribed in the context of an example communication system including amobile communications device that implements IEEE 802.11-based wirelessnetworking standards. It is appreciated, however, that those of ordinaryskill in the art, using the teachings provided herein, can implement thedisclosed techniques using other wireless standards and networks withoutdeparting from the scope of the mechanism. Accordingly, references totechniques and components specific to IEEE 802.11 apply also to theequivalent techniques or components in other wireless network standardsunless otherwise noted.

Note that some aspects of the mechanism described herein may beconstructed as software objects that are executed in embedded devices asfirmware, software objects that are executed as part of a softwareapplication on either an embedded or non-embedded computer system suchas a digital signal processor (DSP), microcomputer, minicomputer,microprocessor, etc. running a real-time operating system such as WinCE,Symbian, OSE, Embedded LINUX, etc. or non-real time operating systemsuch as Windows, UNIX, LINUX, etc., or as soft core realized HDLcircuits implemented in an Application Specific Integrated Circuit(ASIC) or Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or as functionallyequivalent discrete hardware components.

Several advantages of the WLAN power consumption reduction mechanisminclude: (1) conserving mobile device battery drain by preventingunnecessary power consumption due to the device being moved to anenvironment in which there is little or no WLAN connectivity; (2) theability to determine the location of a mobile device; either indoors oroutdoors; and (3) better matching the WLAN background scanning to theactual environment the device is in.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the WLAN powerconsumption reduction mechanism may be implemented as a system, method,computer program product or any combination thereof. Accordingly, theWLAN power consumption reduction mechanism may take the form of anentirely hardware implementation, an entirely software implementation(including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or animplementation combining software and hardware aspects that may allgenerally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.”Furthermore, the WLAN power consumption reduction mechanism may take theform of a computer program product implemented in any tangible medium ofexpression having computer usable program code implemented in themedium.

Any combination of one or more computer usable or computer readablemedium(s) may be utilized. The computer-usable or computer-readablemedium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic,optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus,device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustivelist) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: anelectrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computerdiskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory(ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flashmemory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory(CDROM), an optical storage device, a transmission media such as thosesupporting the Internet or an intranet, or a magnetic storage device.Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium could even bepaper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, asthe program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, opticalscanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, orotherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then storedin a computer memory. In the context of this document, a computer-usableor computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store,communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or inconnection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.The computer-usable medium may include a propagated data signal with thecomputer-usable program code implemented therewith, either in basebandor as part of a carrier wave. The computer usable program code may betransmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited towireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc.

Computer program code for carrying out operations of the WLAN powerconsumption reduction mechanism may be written in any combination of oneor more programming languages, including an object oriented programminglanguage such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventionalprocedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming languageor similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirelyon the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alonesoftware package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remotecomputer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latterscenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computerthrough any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or awide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an externalcomputer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet ServiceProvider).

The WLAN power consumption reduction mechanism is described below withreference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods,apparatus (systems) and computer program products according toimplementations thereof. It will be understood that each block of theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations ofblocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can beimplemented or supported by computer program instructions. Thesecomputer program instructions may be provided to a processor of ageneral purpose computer, special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer orother programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable medium that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instruction meanswhich implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer orother programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series ofoperational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/actsspecified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

It is noted that computer programs implementing the WLAN powerconsumption reduction mechanism can be distributed to users on adistribution medium such as floppy disk or CD-ROM or may be downloadedover a network such as the Internet using FTP, HTTP, or other suitableprotocols. From there, they will often be copied to a hard disk or asimilar intermediate storage medium. When the programs are to be run,they will be loaded either from their distribution medium or theirintermediate storage medium into the execution memory of the computer,configuring the computer to act in accordance with the method of thismechanism. All these operations are well-known to those skilled in theart of computer systems.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods and computer program products according to variousimplementations of the WLAN power consumption reduction mechanism. Inthis regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may representa module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or moreexecutable instructions for implementing the specified logicalfunction(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts, or by combinations of special purpose hardware andcomputer instructions.

Mobile Communications Device Implementation

A block diagram illustrating an example mobile communication deviceincorporating the WLAN power consumption reduction mechanism is shown inFIG. 2. The mobile communication device is preferably a two-waycommunication device having voice and data communication capabilities.In addition, the device optionally has the capability to communicatewith other computer systems via the Internet. Note that the mobilecommunications device (or mobile device) may comprise any suitable wiredor wireless device such as multimedia player, mobile communicationdevice, cellular phone, smartphone, PDA, PNA, Bluetooth device, etc. Forillustration purposes only, the device is shown as a mobile device, suchas a cellular based smartphone. Note that this example is not intendedto limit the scope of the mechanism as the WLAN power consumptionreduction mechanism can be implemented in a wide variety ofcommunication devices. It is further appreciated the mobile device 30shown is intentionally simplified to illustrate only certain components,as the mobile device may comprise other components and subsystems 64beyond those shown.

The mobile device, generally referenced 30, comprises a processor 36which may comprise a baseband processor, CPU, microprocessor, DSP, etc.,optionally having both analog and digital portions. The mobile devicemay comprise a plurality of radios 34 and associated antennas 32. Radiosfor the basic cellular link and any number of other wireless standardsand Radio Access Technologies (RATs) may be included. Examples include,but are not limited to, Global System for Mobile Communication(GSM)/GPRS/EDGE 3G; WCDMA; WiMAX for providing WiMAX wirelessconnectivity when within the range of a WiMAX wireless network;Bluetooth for providing Bluetooth wireless connectivity when within therange of a Bluetooth wireless network; WLAN for providing wirelessconnectivity when in a hot spot or within the range of an ad hoc,infrastructure or mesh based wireless LAN (WLAN) network; near fieldcommunications; UWB; GPS receiver for receiving GPS radio signalstransmitted from one or more orbiting GPS satellites, FM transceiverprovides the user the ability to listen to FM broadcasts as well as theability to transmit audio over an unused FM station at low power, suchas for playback over a car or home stereo system having an FM receiver,digital broadcast television, etc. The mobile device also comprisesprotocol stacks 66, which may or may not be entirely or partiallyimplemented in the processor 36. The protocol stacks implemented willdepend on the particular wireless protocols required.

The mobile device may also comprise internal volatile storage 42 (e.g.,RAM) and persistence storage 38 (e.g., ROM) and flash memory 40.Persistent storage 38 also stores applications executable by processor36 including the related data files used by those applications to allowdevice 30 to perform its intended functions. Several user-interfacedevices include trackball/thumbwheel 44 which may comprise a depressiblethumbwheel/trackball that is used for navigation, selection of menuchoices and confirmation of action, keypad/keyboard 46 such as arrangedin QWERTY fashion for entering alphanumeric data and a numeric keypadfor entering dialing digits and for other controls and inputs (thekeyboard may also contain symbol, function and command keys such as aphone send/end key, a menu key and an escape key), microphone(s) 52,speaker(s) 50 and associated audio codec or other multimedia codecs,vibrator (not shown) for alerting a user, camera and related circuitry56, display(s) 54 and associated display controller. A serial/USB orother interface connection 48 (e.g., SPI, SDIO, PCI, USD, etc.) providesa serial link to a user's PC or other device. SIM/RUIM card 72 providesthe interface to a user's SIM or RUIM card for storing user data such asaddress book entries, user identification, etc.

Portable power is provided by the battery 70 coupled to power managementcircuitry 68. External power is provided via USB power 60 or an AC/DCadapter 78 connected to the power management circuitry 68 which isoperative to manage the charging and discharging of the battery 70.

The mobile communications device is also adapted to implement the WLANpower consumption reduction mechanism 74. Alternatively (or in additionto), the WLAN power consumption reduction mechanism may be implementedas a task 74 stored in external memory executed by the processor 36 ormay be implemented as a task 76 executed from memory embedded inprocessor 36. The WLAN power consumption reduction task blocks 74, 76are adapted to implement the WLAN power consumption reduction mechanismas described in more detail infra. Note that the WLAN power consumptionreduction mechanism may be implemented as hardware, software or as acombination of hardware and software. Implemented as a software task,the program code operative to implement the WLAN power consumptionreduction mechanism is stored in one or more memories 38, 40, 42 orlocal memories within the processor 36.

WLAN Power Consumption Reduction Mechanism

The IEEE 802.11 standard defines several services that govern how twoIEEE 802.11 devices communicate. In current WLAN technology, WLANprofiles play a vital role in WLAN connectivity. A profile is identifiedby a unique identifier, Service Set Identifier (SSID). It also specifiesthe frequency band of operation, data rates, transmit power levels andsecurity methods used for authentication and encryption and thecorresponding credentials. A user can specify multiple profiles on hisdevice that could be geographically collocated or they could map to WLANnetworks installed in different areas (e.g., home vs. office, etc).

Today, many mobile communications devices are equipped not only with theprimary cellular air interface but with WLAN radios as well, e.g.,dual-band mobile smart phones that feature both cellular and WLAN airinterfaces). Such multi-radio devices must perform a scan in order todiscover the neighboring Access Points (APs) to which the handset canassociate/connect. An AP must match one of the profiles stored on thedevice (either created by the user or pushed by an IT policy) for thedevice to associate with.

Typical implementations of the WLAN algorithm include continuousscanning for saved WLAN profiles on regular intervals. A downside of theperiodic connectivity scan is that the mobile device is not aware of itssurrounding environment. In the case where the device is out of WLANcoverage, scanning is still performed which results in excessiveconsumption of battery power. This strongly affects both the batterylife-time and talk-time otherwise possible. The amount of battery powerused during this scanning period is directly proportional to the numberof saved profiles and other factors, e.g., whether a saved profile ismarked as “hidden” vs. “broadcast” SSID. As the number of saved profilesincreases, the power consumption of the mobile device increases as well.

In prior art WLAN systems, a problem occurs when the mobile device islocated outdoors out of range of an AP. In this case, it is notnecessary to perform frequent background scanning since it is not likelythe device is within range of an WLAN Access Point. Continuing to scanfor WLAN networks at high frequency when the mobile device is outdoorsresults in a substantial waste of battery power. Conversely, when themobile device is indoors, it is important to quickly scan for WLANnetworks such as if a temporary loss of WLAN coverage occurs, since itis preferable that users be re-connected as soon possible after atemporary loss of coverage.

Thus, to minimize or eliminate the battery draining effects of pointlessscanning when the mobile device is outdoors, the WLAN power consumptionreduction mechanism is operative to use information from both the WLANnetwork and the cellular network to determine whether the mobile device(also referred to as handset, WLAN client, client, mobile communicationsdevice, handheld or device) is indoors or outdoors. If the mobile deviceis outdoors, then background scanning can be significantly reduced orstopped altogether, thereby conserving battery power.

It is noted that many existing WLAN installations are more common inindoor areas as an extension to cellular networks coverage. Whenoutdoor, users typically have very good cellular coverage (except Whencrossing cell. boundaries) and much weaker WLAN coverage (if any). Themechanism monitors the changes in patterns in both the WLAN and cellularradio signal strength to determine whether the mobile device is indoorsor outdoors, In response, the mobile device modifies the WLAN powerscheme to reduce or stop/start the WLAN profile scanning activity,

Using information from both the WLAN and cellular air interfaces, acellular/WLAN signal quality ratio is calculated, stored and tracked.WLAN and cellular RSSI information received from their respective airinterfaces is used. The quantification of the above ratio betweenchanges (i.e. drops or increases) of the signals received from bothair-interfaces provides the trend in the cellular/WLAN signal qualityratio. It is this trend that is used to determine the user's approximatelocation (i.e. indoor or outdoor and transitions therefrom).

If the mobile device is determined to be outdoors then scanning for WLANnetworks can be done less frequently. The transition from indoors tooutdoors is detected by a deterioration in WLAN Received Signal StrengthIndicator (RSSI) with an accompanying increase in cellular RSSI. Oncethe transition is detected, a loss of WLAN connectivity causes thedevice to start scanning WLAN networks with a decreasing frequency.

If the mobile device is determined to be indoors, then scanning for WLANnetworks can be made more frequently. Assuming the mobile device iscurrently scanning for WLAN networks with the outdoor frequency asdescribed above, upon connecting to a WLAN network, the WLAN RSSI andthe cellular RSSI are monitored. A transition from outdoors to indoorsis detected by a deterioration in cellular RSSI with an accompanyingincrease in WLAN RSSI.

An example graph of cellular/WLAN signal quality ratio for an indoor tooutdoor and an outdoor to indoor transition is shown in FIG. 3. Trace 80represents the cellular/WLAN RSSI ratio values for the mobile devicemaking a transition from an indoor location to an outdoor location overa period of time. Trace 82 represents the cellular/WLAN RSSI ratiovalues for the mobile device making a transition from an outdoorlocation to an indoor location over a period of time. Ratio valuesgreater than one indicate the cellular RSSI is lesser than the WLANRSSI. This typically indicates the mobile device is an indoor location.Conversely, ratio values less than one indicate a cellular RSSI greaterthan the WLAN RSSI. This typically indicates the mobile device is in anoutdoor location.

Considering the notations CellularRSSI=C, WLAN RSSI=W, then:

-   -   Case1: If Ratio=C/W then    -   Ratio>1 means Cellular_RSSI<WLAN_RSSI, device is in an Indoor        location (e.g., −80 dBm Cellular_RSSI<−60 dBm WLAN_RSSI)    -   Ratio<1 means Cellular_RSSI>WLAN_RSSI, device is in an Outdoor        location (e.g., −60 dBm Cellular_RSSI>−80 dBm WLAN_RSSI)    -   Case2: If Ratio=W/C then    -   Ratio>1 means Cellular_RSSI>WLAN_RSSI, device is in an Outdoor        location (e.g., −60 dBm Cellular_RSSI<−80 dBm WLAN_RSSI)    -   Ratio<1 means Cellular_RSSI<WLAN_RSSI, device is in an Indoor        location (e.g., −80 dBm Cellular_RSSI<−60 dBm WLAN_RSSI)

A diagram illustrating the changes in background scanning frequencybased on the cellular/WLAN signal quality ratio is shown in FIG. 4. Toaid in algorithmically determining the location of the mobile device,RSSI values for both cellular and WLAN have been categorized and definedas below in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Cellular and WLAN RSSI Category Definitions RSSI Value CategoryRepresentation Greater than −20 dBm Excellent E −21 to −45 dBm Very GoodVG −46 to −65 dBm Good G −66 to −75 dBm Average A −76 to −85 dBm Bad B−86 to −90 dBm Poor P Lesser than −90 dBm Very Poor VP

These RSSI value definitions are used in the graph of FIG. 4 to definethe cellular/WLAN signal quality ratio levels as the mobile device movesbetween indoor (Zone B) and outdoor locations (Zone A).

In the case when the mobile device is transitioning from an outdoorlocation (low scanning frequency) to an indoor location (high scanningfrequency), the possible transitions that can be made are identified andpresented below in Table 2,

TABLE 2 Transitions for Outdoor to Indoor Transition (To High BackgroundScanning Frequency) Cellular/WLAN Signal Step A Step B Quality RatioTransition t_(o) t₁ E/VP G/B TR₁ t_(o) t₂ E/VP B/G TR₂ E/VP VP/E TR₃ t₁t₂ G/B B/G TR₄ G/B VP/E TR₅ t₂ t₃ B/G VP/E TR₆

Thus, six transitions, TR1 through TR6 are defined for the mobile devicemaking a transition from an outdoor location to an indoor location(i.e., a transition from a low scanning frequency location to a highscanning frequency location).

Similarly, in the case when the mobile device is transitioning from anindoor location (high scanning frequency) to an outdoor location (lowscanning frequency), the possible transitions that can be made areidentified and presented below in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Transitions for Indoor to Outdoor Transition (To Low BackgroundScanning Frequency) Cellular/WLAN Signal Step A Step B Quality RatioTransition t₂ t₄ VP/E B/G TR₇  t₂ t₀ VP/E G/B TR₈  VP/E E/VP TR₉  t₄ t₀B/G G/B TR₁₀ B/G E/VP TR₁₁ t₀ t₅ G/B E/VP TR₁₂

Thus, six transitions, TR7 through TR12 are defined for the mobiledevice making a transition from an indoor location to an outdoorlocation (i.e. a transition from a high scanning frequency location to alow scanning frequency location).

It is appreciated that the transition thresholds provided in Tables 1,2, 3 supra represent an example for illustration purposes. Numerousother threshold values and category definitions may be used depending onthe particular implementation and design considerations.

A flow diagram illustrating an example method of detecting cellular andWLAN signal transitions is shown in FIG. 6. This method attempts todetect a cellular and WLAN signal transition and is periodicallyperformed (i.e. continuous basis). Depending on whether WLAN isconnected (step 90), the device attempts to detect either an indoor oran outdoor transition.

If the WLAN is not connected, a WLAN scan is performed and the resultingscan results list is sorted according to RSSI value. The WLAN signalquality level is read from the first WLAN network in the scan resultslist (i.e. the strongest signal) (step 108). A first cellular signalquality instantaneous reading is made and the cellular/WLAN signalquality ratio is calculated (step 110). This step is referred to as STEPA. The device then waits a waiting time window, e.g., 2 seconds (step112) and a single WLAN passive scanning is performed (step 114). If thefirst WLAN network on the scan results list is different than that foundduring step 108 above, then no transition is declared (step 124).

If the first WLAN network on the scan results list is confirmed as thatfound during step 108 above (step 116), then a second cellular signalquality instantaneous reading is made and the cellular/WLAN signalquality ratio is calculated (step 118). This step is referred to as STEPB. Note that STEP B can be repeated to increase the accuracy of device'slocation estimate. If a transition (TR1 to TR6) is detected (step 120)then an indoor transition is declared (step 122). If a transition (TR7to TR12) is detected (step 120) then an outdoor transition is declared(step 126). If no transition TR1 to TR12 is detected (step 120) than ‘notransition’ is declared (step 124).

If WLAN is connected (step 90), the WLAN signal quality level is readfrom the currently connected WLAN network (step 92). A first cellularsignal quality instantaneous reading is made and the cellular/WLANsignal quality ratio is calculated (step 94). This step is referred toas STEP A. If the number of iteration steps for calculating thecellular/WLAN signal quality ratio is less than 2 (step 96), then thedevice waits a waiting time window, e.g., 2 seconds (step 98). In theevent of WLAN disconnection during the waiting time window, thetransition algorithm resumes from the WLAN disconnected state (step 90).

Then, a second iteration of cellular signal quality instantaneousreading is made and the cellular/WLAN signal quality ratio is calculated(step 94). This step is referred to as STEP B. If a transition (TR1 toTR6) is detected (step 100) then an indoor transition is declared (104).If a transition (TR7 to TR12) is detected (step 100) then an outdoortransition is declared (106). If no transition (TR1 to TR12) is detected(step 100) then ‘no transition’ is declared (step 124). To achievehigher accuracy, the number of iterations for calculating thecellular/WLAN signal quality ratio can be increased (e.g., 3, 4 orhigher), for a more reliable confirmation of the cellular/WLAN signaltrend during a transition to an indoor/outdoor environment.

Note that since the instantaneous cellular RSSI values continuouslychange randomly due to fading, shadowing, multipath and path losseffects; in one implementation, the mechanism utilizes averaged RSSIvalues which compensate for these negative effects. In addition,however, other factors may be used to indicate the indoor/outdoortransitions. For example, the AGC added offset to compensate for gaindifference can be used as an indicator. When the cellular signal qualitychanges, the gain control is also modified accordingly, which can beused as an additional indication of the change in location. Further,Time In Advance that the Cell Controller sends to mobile device fortransmission time adjustments based on mobile's distance from tower canalso be used. Other possible factors include power control measurementswhich also change according to the quality of cellular link.

A flow diagram illustrating an example method of detecting cellularsignal transitions is shown in FIG. 7. This method is used in detectinga device's location when in a WLAN disconnected state. First, a firstinstantaneous cellular signal quality reading is made (step 130). Aftera waiting time window, e.g., 2 seconds (step 132), a secondinstantaneous cellular signal quality reading is made (step 134). A celltransition is then detected if the difference between the two cellularsignal quality readings exceeds a threshold (e.g., +/−10 dBm) (step136). A confirmed transition is declared if the difference exceeds thethreshold (step 140), otherwise no transition is declared (step 138).

A flow diagram illustrating an example method of determining devicelocation in a WLAN connected state is shown in FIG. 8. This method isused to determine the location of the device when in a WLAN connectedstate (step 170). In this state, the background scanning is used in theWLAN connected state only for the user display of saved WLAN profiles.Next, the current WLAN network (i.e. the connected SSID) is selected(step 172). The method then attempts to detect a cellular and WLANsignal transition (step 174) as described in connection with the flowdiagram of FIG. 6. If no transition is detected (step 174), thebackground scanning scheme is left unchanged and the device location isleft unchanged as well (step 176).

If an indoor transition is detected, the device then sets the backgroundscanning scheme to be used in the WLAN disconnected state to an “indoor”background scanning scheme and also sets the device location to “indoor”(step 184). An indoor scanning scheme comprises a more frequent scanningfrequency than an outdoor scanning scheme, since the mobile device hasbeen determined to be indoors.

If an outdoor transition is detected, the device then sets thebackground scanning scheme to be used in the WLAN disconnected state toan “outdoor” background scanning scheme and also sets the devicelocation to “outdoor” (step 182). An outdoor scanning scheme comprises aless frequent scanning frequency than an indoor scanning scheme, sincethe mobile device has been determined to be outdoors. It is in this“outdoor” scanning scheme that results in significant power reductionfor the mobile device since less frequent scanning is performed.

Whether an indoor, outdoor or no transition is detected, it is thenchecked whether the WLAN is disconnected (step 178). If it is notdisconnected, the method returns to step 172 and repeats. If WLAN isdisconnected, device location detection in the WLAN disconnected stateis performed (step 180), as described in connection with the flowdiagram in FIG. 9, described infra.

A flow diagram illustrating an example method of determining devicelocation in a WLAN disconnected state is shown in FIG. 9. It is assumedthe device is in a WLAN disconnected state (step 190). The WLAN radioturning on will cause the device to set to the default backgroundscanning scheme and indoor/outdoor location unknown. It is thendetermined whether a WLAN background scan is scheduled (according to thelast selected background scanning scheme, i.e. high, low or normal(default) scan frequency) (step 192). If a scan is not scheduled, thenthe method continues with detect cellular radio signal transition (step212) (described in connection with the flow diagram in FIG. 7), sincethe device may be moving out of a WLAN coverage area. If no cellularradio transition is detected, the method returns to step 192.

If a cellular radio transition is confirmed (step 212) or a WLANbackground scan is scheduled (step 192), then WLAN background scanningis performed (step 194). It is then determined whether the device is inWLAN coverage and tries to detect surrounding WLAN access points (step196). If no surrounding WLAN access points are found, the method returnsto step 192. If surrounding WLAN access points are found, the strongestWLAN signal (i.e. higher RSSI Beacon) from the scanning results list isselected (step 198). The device then attempts to detect cellular andWLAN signal transition (step 200) as described in detail in connectionwith the flow diagram of FIG. 6.

If no transition is detected, the background scanning scheme and thedevice location are left unchanged (step 204). If an indoor transitionis detected, the background scanning scheme is set to the indoorbackground scanning scheme and the device location is set to indoorlocation (step 214). Similarly, if an outdoor transition is detected,the background scanning scheme is set to the outdoor background scanningscheme and the device location is set to outdoor location (step 202).

It is then determined whether the WLAN is connected (step 206). If it isnot connected, the method continues with step 192. If it is connected,the background scanning is reset to the default scheme and the devicelocation is left unchanged (step 208). The device location in WLANconnected state method is then performed (step 210) as described indetail in connection with the flow diagram of FIG. 8. Note thatbackground scanning in the WLAN connected state does not triggerexecution of the device location method.

Several example timing diagrams are presented to aid in understandingthe application of the methods described supra. They include variousscenarios where the device is moving between indoors and outdoors andbetween connected and disconnected WLAN states. A timing diagramillustrating an indoor WLAN connected state to an outdoor WLANdisconnected state transition is shown in FIG. 10. The device is assumedstarting in an indoor location with WLAN connected and scheduled defaultbackground scanning set. With reference to the method of FIG. 6, a STEPA event is detected where a change in the cellular/WLAN signal qualityratio is detected along with the possible detection of a cellular signaltransition. A second confirming transition (STEP B) is detected as wellafter the waiting time window period. Eventually, as the devicecontinues outdoors, WLAN becomes disconnected and outdoor WLANbackground scanning is scheduled which results in a significantreduction in battery power consumption due to less frequent scanning.

A timing diagram illustrating an outdoor WLAN disconnected state to anindoor WLAN connected transition is shown in FIG. 11. In this example,the device is outdoors with WLAN disconnected and scheduled with outdoorWLAN background scanning. A WLAN passive scan detects a transition (STEPA) as the device is moved indoors, along with the possible detection ofa cellular signal transition. A second confirming transition (STEP B) isdetected as well after the waiting time window period. In response, thedevice is set to indoor WLAN background scanning schedule (i.e. morefrequent scanning) and eventually, WLAN is connected and the schedulingreturns to default background scanning.

A timing diagram illustrating an indoor WLAN disconnected state to anoutdoor WLAN disconnected state transition is shown in FIG. 12. Thedevice is assumed starting in an indoor location with WLAN disconnectedand scheduled indoor background scanning set. As the device is movedoutdoors, a WLAN passive scan detects a transition (STEP A event) wherea change in the cellular/WLAN signal quality ratio is detected alongwith the possible detection of a cellular signal transition. A secondconfirming transition (STEP B) is detected as well after the waitingtime window period. Eventually, as the device continues outdoors,outdoor WLAN background scanning is scheduled which results in asignificant reduction in battery power consumption due to less frequentscanning.

A timing diagram illustrating an outdoor WLAN disconnected state to anindoor WLAN disconnected transition is shown in FIG. 13. In thisexample, the device is outdoors with WLAN disconnected and scheduledwith outdoor WLAN background scanning. A WLAN passive scan detects atransition (STEP A) as the device is moved indoors, along with thepossible detection of a cellular signal transition. A second confirmingtransition (STEP B) is detected as well after the waiting time windowperiod. In response, the device is set to indoor WLAN backgroundscanning schedule (i.e. more frequent scanning) and eventually and WLANis disconnected.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularimplementations only and is not intended to be limiting of themechanism. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the mechanism has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the mechanism in the form disclosed. As numerousmodifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in theart, it is intended that the mechanism not be limited to the limitednumber of implementations described herein. Accordingly, it will beappreciated that all suitable variations, modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to, falling within the spirit and scope of themechanism. The implementations were chosen and described in order tobest explain the principles of the mechanism and the practicalapplication, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art tounderstand the mechanism for various implementations with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

It is intended that the appended claims cover all such features andadvantages of the mechanism that fall within the spirit and scope of themechanism. As numerous modifications and changes will readily occur tothose skilled in the art, it is intended that the mechanism not belimited to the limited number of implementations described herein.Accordingly, it will be appreciated that all suitable variations,modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within thespirit and scope of the mechanism.

1. A method performed by a mobile device, the method comprising:obtaining from a cellular radio subsystem incorporated in the mobiledevice cellular signal strength measurements taken at different timesduring a period of time, and comparing the cellular signal strengthmeasurements to one another to determine whether there is an increasingtrend in the cellular signal strength measurements over the period oftime; obtaining from a wireless local area network (WLAN) radiosubsystem incorporated in the mobile device WLAN signal strengthmeasurements taken at different times during the period of time, andcomparing the WLAN signal strength measurements to one another todetermine whether there is a decreasing trend in the WLAN signalstrength measurements over the period of time; and where there is theincreasing trend in the cellular signal strength measurements and thedecreasing trend in the WLAN signal strength measurements, concludingthat an indoor-to-outdoor transition of the mobile device has occurredand, consequently, decreasing a background scanning frequency of theWLAN radio subsystem.
 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising: after decreasing the background scanning frequency as aconsequence of concluding that the indoor-to-outdoor transition hasoccurred: performing background scanning by the WLAN radio subsystem foranother period of time; and where no WLAN access points are found by thebackground scanning during the other period of time, suspendingbackground scanning by the WLAN radio subsystem.
 3. The method asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the WLAN radio subsystem is in a connectedstate during the period of time and the WLAN signal strengthmeasurements obtained from the WLAN radio subsystem are measurements ofthe strength of signals received from a currently connected WLAN.
 4. Themethod as claimed in claim 1, wherein the WLAN radio subsystem is in adisconnected state during the period of time, and wherein obtaining theWLAN signal strength measurements comprises: the WLAN radio subsystemperforming background scanning; selecting a strongest WLAN signalstrength measurement from results of the background scanning; and afterwaiting, the WLAN radio subsystem performing a subsequent passivescanning, and receiving a WLAN signal strength measurement from a WLANfrom which a signal having the strongest WLAN signal strengthmeasurement was received.
 5. The method as claimed in claim 4, whereinthe background scanning is performed when scheduled.
 6. The method asclaimed in claim 4, wherein the background scanning is performedfollowing detection of a cellular radio signal transition, the methodfurther comprising: detecting the cellular radio signal transitionwhere, over a first portion of the period of time, a difference betweentwo instantaneous cellular signal quality readings from the cellularradio subsystem made a certain time apart exceeds a threshold.
 7. Amethod performed by a mobile device incorporating a cellular radiosubsystem and a wireless local area network, WLAN, radio subsystem, themethod comprising: obtaining from a cellular radio subsystemincorporated in the mobile device cellular signal strength measurementstaken at different times during a period of time, and comparing thecellular signal strength measurements to one another to determinewhether there is a decreasing trend in the cellular signal strengthmeasurements over the period of time; obtaining from a wireless localarea network (WLAN) radio subsystem incorporated in the mobile deviceWLAN signal strength measurements taken at different times during theperiod of time, and comparing the WLAN signal strength measurements toone another to determine whether there is an increasing trend in theWLAN signal strength measurements over the period of time; and wherethere is the decreasing trend in the cellular signal strengthmeasurements and the increasing trend in the WLAN signal strengthmeasurements, concluding that an outdoor-to-indoor transition of themobile device has occurred and, consequently, increasing a backgroundscanning frequency of the WLAN radio subsystem.
 8. The method as claimedin claim 7, further comprising: after increasing the background scanningfrequency in response to detecting the outdoor-to-indoor transition:performing background scanning by the WLAN radio subsystem; determiningwhether results of the background scanning match any WLAN profile savedin the mobile device; and where none of the results match any WLANprofile saved in the mobile device, gradually reducing the backgroundscanning frequency of the WLAN radio subsystem.
 9. A mobile device,comprising: a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) subsystem; a cellularsubsystem; a memory; a processor coupled to the WLAN radio subsystem, tothe cellular radio subsystem, and to the memory, the processoroperative: to obtain from the cellular radio subsystem cellular signalstrength measurements taken at different times during a period of time,and to compare the cellular signal strength measurements to one anotherto determine whether there is an increasing trend in the cellular signalstrength measurements over the period of time; to obtain from the WLANradio subsystem WLAN signal strength measurements taken at differenttimes during the period of time, and to compare the WLAN signal strengthmeasurements to one another to determine whether there is a decreasingtrend in the WLAN signal strength measurements over the period of time;and where there is the increasing trend in the cellular signal strengthmeasurements and the decreasing trend in the WLAN signal strengthmeasurements, to conclude that the mobile device has anindoor-to-outdoor transition of the mobile device has occurred and,consequently, to decrease a background scanning frequency of the WLANradio subsystem.
 10. The mobile device of claim 9, wherein afterdecreasing the background scanning frequency in response to detectingthe indoor-to-outdoor transition, the processor is operative to controlthe WLAN radio subsystem to perform background scanning for anotherperiod of time, and where no WLAN access points are found by thebackground scanning during the other period of time, to suspendbackground scanning by the WLAN radio subsystem.
 11. The mobile deviceas claimed in claim 9, wherein the WLAN radio subsystem is in aconnected state during the period of time and the WLAN signal strengthmeasurements from the WLAN radio subsystem are measurements of thestrength of signals received from a currently connected WLAN.
 12. Themobile device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the WLAN radio subsystem isin a disconnected state during the period of time, and wherein theprocessor is operative to receive the WLAN signal strength measurementsby: controlling the WLAN radio subsystem to perform background scanning;selecting a strongest WLAN signal strength measurement from results ofthe background scanning; and after waiting, controlling the WLAN radiosubsystem to perform a subsequent passive scanning and receiving a WLANsignal strength measurement from a WLAN from which a signal having thestrongest WLAN signal strength measurement was received.
 13. The mobiledevice as claimed in claim 12, wherein the background scanning isperformed when scheduled.
 14. The mobile device as claimed in claim 12,wherein the background scanning is performed following detection of acellular radio signal transition, the processor further operative todetect the cellular radio signal transition where, over a first portionof the period of time, a difference between two instantaneous cellularsignal quality readings from the cellular radio subsystem made a certaintime apart exceeds a threshold.
 15. A mobile device, comprising: aWireless Local Area Network (WLAN) subsystem; a cellular subsystem; amemory; a processor coupled to the WLAN radio subsystem, to the cellularradio subsystem, and to the memory, the processor operative: to obtainfrom the cellular radio subsystem cellular signal strength measurementstaken at different times during a period of time, and to compare thecellular signal strength measurements to one another to determinewhether there is a decreasing trend in the cellular signal strengthmeasurements over the period of time; to obtain from the WLAN radiosubsystem WLAN signal strength measurements taken at different timesduring the period of time, and to compare the WLAN signal strengthmeasurements to one another to determine whether there is an increasingtrend in the WLAN signal strength measurements over the period of time;and where there is the decreasing trend in the cellular signal strengthmeasurements and the increasing trend in the WLAN signal strengthmeasurements, to conclude that an outdoor-to-indoor transition of themobile device has occurred and, consequently, to increase a backgroundscanning frequency of the WLAN radio subsystem.
 16. The mobile device asclaimed in claim 15, wherein after increasing the background scanningfrequency in response to detecting the outdoor-to-indoor transition, theprocessor is operative to control the WLAN radio subsystem to performbackground scanning, to determine whether results of the backgroundscanning match any WLAN profile saved in the mobile device, and wherenone of the results match any WLAN profile saved in the mobile device,to reduce gradually the background scanning frequency of the WLAN radiosubsystem.